HGTV Host Charlie Kawas Is ‘Officially in Remission’ After Receiving Cancer Diagnosis While Filming ‘Botched Homes’

HGTV star Charlie Kawas has shared that he is “officially in remission” after receiving treatment for testicular cancer.

“It’s been a long journey!” the “Botched Homes” host, 44, wrote in a spirited Instagram post on Sept. 23. “It wasn’t easy, I fought through it, and did what I had to do.”

The general contractor and craftsman received the unexpected diagnosis just months into filming the first season of the new series, telling People magazine, “It was probably the worst possible time it could have happened.”

At the time he received the news, Kawas was juggling five separate renovations, with doctors recommending he start chemotherapy immediately.

But, with the support of his family and team, Kawas managed to complete all of the renovation projects for the show. While the episodes chronicling his treatment journey have yet to air, he took cameras along to share his story.

“The number one thing was not letting it get into my head,” Kawas continued in his post. “My wife held the fort down and gave me the support I needed. I had to keep going, there was no other option.”

Kawas also noted that the season ended on a high note, with “very happy homeowners,” and thanked his medical staff, crew, and production team for making it all happen.

Having previously shared that it’s been a challenge to balance the physically demanding nature of his work, Kawas is finally on the mend.

“The hair is starting to grow back and I’m gaining more and more energy each day that goes by,” he wrote. “Strength is coming back slowly.”

Understanding that “cancer can be a touchy subject for some people,” Kawas disclosed that viewers can expect to see a candid look at his experience on “Botched Homes.”

“You will see the hair loss, the weight loss, and some of the process,” he added. “I personally haven’t seen the episodes, so when you watch it for the first time, I am also watching it for the first time.”

Kawas ended his post with a pertinent piece of advice for his audience: “Love your family like every day is your last day.”

The comment section of Kawas’ remission announcement post garnered quite a bit of encouragement from fans of the show, construction professionals, and fellow survivors.

In one exchange, a New York “Botched Homes” fan, also in remission, asked Kawas to share his best advice for managing fatigue.

Kawas replied to say that “50% is in the mind,” recommending a walk when tired. The rest of his answer revealed his sense of humor; “You’re going to laugh when I tell you the other 50% answer. Espresso time!”

“Botched Homes” is a new series from HGTV, where Kawas lends a helping hand to South Florida homeowners living in homes in shaky conditions.

Along with his trusty crew from New York and expert designer, Courtney Ibars, Kawas and his team transform homes that could use lots of love.

“Every home tells a story and, unfortunately, many of these families were left with unfinished projects, unsafe conditions, and broken trust after hiring the wrong contractor,” he previously said in an HGTV statement.

Ibars has also reflected on the work the crew does on the show, noting that “Botched Homes” has set the team up to solve unique problems.

“The challenge is knowing how to take what’s already there and build a thoughtful design around it,” she wrote in a Sept. 17 Instagram post.

“Design is problem solving,” Ibars continued. “And sometimes, the constraints are what make the transformation that much better.”

The “Botched Homes” team is on a serious mission to restore homes—and the faith of the owners—but there’s a lot of fun to be had, too. From a bathroom Kawas described as “straight out of a ‘Scarface’ movie” to another outfitted in green carpet that he claimed looked more like a “putting green” than a restroom, the playful commentary certainly keeps the tone lighthearted.